Jack Perkins Bio
Jackson Scott Perkins, known professionally as Jack Perkins, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on December 26, 1999, in Kokomo, Indiana, Perkins made his MLB debut in 2025 after progressing through the Athletics’ minor league system. A right-handed pitcher, he developed through high school and college baseball before joining Oakland’s organization in the 2022 MLB Draft.
Perkins attended Kokomo High School in Kokomo, Indiana, where he played baseball before continuing his career at the collegiate level. His path to the majors included stops at two NCAA programs and several minor league affiliates, reflecting steady development as a starting pitcher and reliever. He reached the major leagues at age 25 and quickly produced early highlights in relief roles.
Early Life and Background
Jackson Scott Perkins was born on December 26, 1999, in Kokomo, Indiana, where he grew up and developed his early interest in baseball. He attended Kokomo High School in his hometown and competed for the school’s baseball team. His performances as a high school pitcher drew attention from Major League Baseball scouts, leading to his selection in the 2018 MLB Draft.
Although selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 39th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Perkins opted not to sign with the organization. He instead chose to honor his college commitment and pursue a path through NCAA baseball. This decision reflected a long-term focus on development and education before turning professional.
Path to Baseball
Perkins began his college baseball career at the University of Louisville, joining the Louisville Cardinals for the 2019 season. As a freshman, he made his collegiate debut and appeared in a limited role, pitching 32 and one-third innings with a 3–0 record, a 4.18 ERA, and 37 strikeouts. The season offered an early indication of his strikeout ability, even as he continued refining his command.
Following the 2019 season, Perkins underwent elbow surgery and missed the entire 2020 campaign while recovering. He returned to Louisville in 2021, pitching 16 innings and posting a 7.31 ERA, a transitional year as he worked back to full strength. After the season, Perkins transferred to Indiana University, seeking a fresh start and additional development opportunities.
Jack Perkins Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
At Indiana University in 2022, Perkins started 15 games and went 3–4 with a 5.10 ERA while recording 91 strikeouts over 83 innings. The campaign marked his most extensive college workload and helped rebuild his draft profile after injury setbacks. His strikeout totals and innings totals drew renewed attention from Major League clubs.
The Oakland Athletics selected Perkins in the fifth round, 154th overall, of the 2022 MLB Draft. He made his professional debut that summer with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Athletics and also appeared for the Stockton Ports, logging ten innings across the two affiliates. The start of his professional career provided his first sustained exposure to wood-bat baseball and pro-level preparation routines.
Minor League Development (2023–2024)
To open the 2023 season, Perkins was assigned to the Lansing Lugnuts before earning a promotion to the Midland RockHounds. Over 22 games, including 20 starts, he went 4–3 with a 4.10 ERA and 93 strikeouts across 107 and two-thirds innings, establishing himself as a reliable rotation option. After the season, he was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox, where he did not allow a run across ten appearances, a strong finish that highlighted improved command.
Perkins spent the 2024 season back with Midland but missed time due to a lat injury. He still started 15 games and went 4–1 with a 2.96 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 76 innings, building on his prior gains and showing improved efficiency. His performance at Midland kept him firmly within the Athletics’ pitching pipeline heading into 2025.
Athletics Era (2025–Present)
Perkins missed the start of the 2025 season due to injury but returned in May with the Las Vegas Aviators, Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate. In nine starts, he posted a 3–2 record with a 2.86 ERA and 68 strikeouts across 44 innings, quickly demonstrating his readiness for the majors. On June 22, 2025, the Athletics promoted Perkins to the major leagues for the first time.
Perkins made his MLB debut that night against the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park, pitching three scoreless innings in relief with two strikeouts. On June 28, he recorded his first career save, tossing three and one-third scoreless innings in a 7–0 victory over the New York Yankees. On August 9, 2025, he earned his first career win, allowing three runs over six innings against the Baltimore Orioles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Perkins’ first career save against the New York Yankees on June 28, 2025, stands out as a signature early MLB moment, given the opponent and the scoreless length of the appearance. His first MLB win against the Baltimore Orioles on August 9, 2025, provided another milestone in his rookie major league season. These early results suggest a pitcher capable of stepping into important late-inning and starter-adjacent roles.
Jack Perkins Family
Personal Life
Public details about Jackson Scott Perkins’ family life are limited. He was raised in Kokomo, Indiana, and continues to be identified as an American professional baseball player. His social media presence reflects his nickname and ongoing connection to the baseball community.
2025 Season Performance
Perkins’ 2025 season has been defined by a delayed start due to injury and a rapid climb from Triple-A to the major leagues. After returning with Las Vegas in May, he logged nine starts and posted a 2.86 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 44 innings, numbers that fueled his June promotion to Oakland. His first months in the majors have produced a save, a win, and multiple scoreless relief outings, an encouraging return on the Athletics’ investment.
Within the Athletics’ bullpen and rotation plans, Perkins has emerged as a flexible arm capable of multi-inning relief appearances. His transition from starting duties in the minors to extended relief work in the majors reflects the organization’s confidence in his command and strikeout profile. Continued health and consistent outings would likely keep him in the conversation for high-leverage opportunities.
Looking ahead, Perkins’ development arc points toward an expanded major league role as he gains experience against big-league lineups. His combination of swing-and-miss stuff and minor league track record suggests room for further growth in innings and responsibility. The remainder of the 2025 season will offer a chance to build on a promising debut year.